This article is an excerpt from "A Playbook for Professional Learning: Putting the Standards Into Action" (Learning Forward, 2012). Written by Learning Forward Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh and Scholar Laureate Shirley Hord, "A Playbook for Professional Learning" provides those who work in professional learning with readily accessible information and examples on how to use the Standards for Professional Learning in daily practice. Each chapter of the book addresses an individual standard with a real-life story from the field, a summary of the standard's "big ideas," expert analysis by the authors, and guided reflection questions for readers. This excerpt focuses on the Data standard and its three components: (1) Analyze student, educator, and system data; (2) assess progress; and (3) evaluate professional learning. In this real-life scenario, educators in a small, rural school district have a major breakthrough when, during their learning session with a state department of education consultant, they identify key elements in the curriculum that students haven't mastered. Staff members also recognize that these are areas requiring their own adult learning so that they are able to instruct students more effectively. Using data to assess student progress and to design strategies for improving teaching becomes a school district norm.